The Waynesville Inn Area Attractions

Attractions in Waynesville, North Carolina and Surrounding Areas

The Waynesville Inn offers many enjoyable and relaxing activities on-site for guests to take part in, as well as many attractions in the surrounding areas. Waynesville, NC is a scenic town based on years of history and loyal locals striving to make Waynesville a true mountain gem. Take advantage of the nearby activities like hiking, skiing, rafting, and fishing only minutes away from The Waynesville Inn.

Historic Downtown Waynesville
(828) 456-3517 | www.downtownwaynesville.com
Less than a mile and a half from the Inn, the tree lined brick sidewalks of Downtown Waynesville front unique local shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants. This area is also home to many festivals and special events, from Folkmoot USA's Parade of Nations in July to Waynesville's annual Apple Harvest Festival each October.

Haywood Arts Regional Theatre
(828) 456-6322 | www.harttheatre.com
Opened in 1997, HART produces a year-round schedule of plays and musicals and is one of the most active theatres in the Southeast.

Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts
(828) 452-1551 | www.sheltonhouse.org
Constructed in 1875 for a civil war veteran and sheriff, the Shelton House is on the the National Register of Historic Places and houses the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts. Inside is a world of 19th century local crafts including quilts, pottery, dulcimers and Native American artifacts. Open May-October.

The Biltmore Estate
(828) 225-1333 | www.biltmore.com
Only half an hour away in Asheville, North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate is the largest privately owned estate in America. Plan a day trip to tour the scenic house, gardens, and winery!

The North Carolina Arboretum(828) 665-2492 | www.ncarboretum.org
Located in the Pisgah National Forest and just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, The North Carolina Arboretum features more than 430 acres of spectacular public gardens that showcase the plant diversity present in the Southern Appalachians. The Arboretum offers both self-guided and guided tours, as well as classes on natural history topics lead by regional naturalists. For the more adventurous, more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails are also available.

Harrah's Cherokee Casino
(828) 497-7777 | www.harrahscherokee.com
Half an hour to the west lies the the town of Cherokee, home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. Within Cherokee you can find Harrah's Cherokee Casino, where you can try your luck at a variety of video based and interactive table games. Several restaurants are also located inside the Casino.

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian
(828) 497-3481 | www.cherokeemuseum.org
The fascinating history of the Cherokee people is always on display about half an hour from the Inn at The Museum of the Cherokee Indian. This trek through Cherokee history features permanent and traveling exhibits, as well as artifact collections and artist series.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
(800) 872-4681 | www.gsmr.com
Open year-round, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of trips, from a Saturday evening dinner train to children's programs like Thomas the Train and The Polar Express. Departing from nearby Bryson City, trips range from 3.5 hours to all-day excursions.

Cataloochee Valley Tours(828) 450-7985 | www.cataloocheevalleytours.com
Experience the best kept secret in the Great Smoky Mountains - Cataloochee Valley! Enjoy a guided eco-tour with a Cataloochee Valley Naturalist who will provide you with information about the elk population, valley history, and education on ethical wildlife viewing practices. Eco-Tours include round-trip transportation from the Inn, a fully guided tour with a University of Florida Certified Master Naturalist, and a snack and drink in the valley. Open seasonally.